Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a occurs for the duration of the month of May and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.  This month was previously known as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month but was officially changed in 2009.  During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, communities celebrate with festivals, government-sponsored activities, and educational activities for students. 

The idea of designating a month to recognize Asian Pacific Americans was first presented by Jeanie Jew, a former congressional staffer in the 1970s, to Representative Frank Horton following the bicentennial celebrations.  In June 1977, Representatives Horton and Norman Y. Mineta introduced a United States House of Representatives resolution to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week.  A similar bill was introduced to the Senate a month later by Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga.  The proposed resolutions designated May for two reasons. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States.  More than two decades later, on May 10, 1869, the Golden spike was driven into the First Transcontinental Railroad, which was completed utilizing Chinese labor.  President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution for the celebration on October 5, 1978.

For more information about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, please visit https://asianpacificheritage.gov/about